Hannah O'Brien sits down with Chantel Dooley, Director of Research and Impact at the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), to explore the profound experience of grief and loss within the military and veteran community.

Chantel opens up about her personal journey as a surviving fiancé and how that experience informs her work supporting others through the aftermath of military loss. Together, Hannah and Chantel talk about the unique challenges faced by survivors, the essential role of community, and the critical resources TAPS offers to those grieving a loved one who served.

As Memorial Day approaches, they reflect on the deeper meaning behind the holiday and how it can be both a time of remembrance and emotional complexity for many. This episode is a poignant reminder of the strength found in shared stories and the healing power of compassion and connection.

What You’ll Learn:

• The personal impact of military loss and the journey through grief
• How TAPS supports survivors through programs, peer connections, and more
• The emotional landscape of Memorial Day for those grieving
• Insights on resilience, remembrance, and healing

Resources:

• Learn more about TAPS: www.taps.org
• Memorial Day resources and support for survivors

Tune in to find hope, healing, and a deeper understanding of what it means to honor our fallen and support the living.

Hannah welcomes veterans and spouses Rosa Kline and Laurianne Rodriguez for a crucial discussion on military sexual trauma (MST). They share their personal experiences, shedding light on the stigma surrounding MST and the importance of creating safe spaces for survivors to tell their stories. This conversation highlights the resources available for military and veteran families and underscores the need for understanding, patience, and unwavering support from loved ones.

Join us as we break the silence and foster healing in this eye-opening discussion.

In this episode of the Veteran Spouse Network podcast, host Hannah welcomes Leslie Coffey, Vice President of Military Engagement at American Corporate Partners (ACP). Leslie shares her transformative journey as a veteran spouse and how ACP's mentorship program has empowered military spouses to achieve fulfilling careers. Listeners will learn about the program's structure, the diverse backgrounds of mentors, and the significant impact mentorship can have on personal and professional growth. Tune in to discover how support and guidance can change the trajectory of your career!

https://www.acp-usa.org/

Hannah is joined by peer leader Gretchen Davis to explore the complexities of relationship health within military and veteran families. Drawing from her extensive experience as a licensed marriage and family therapy associate, Gretchen shares insights on common challenges faced by couples, including emotional dysregulation, compassion fatigue, and rigid thinking. Tune in for practical tips and strategies that can help enhance relationship satisfaction and foster deeper connections.

Join us on this episode of the Veteran Spouse Network podcast as host Hannah O'Brien sits down with Wendy Hively, veteran spouse and founder of Charlie Madison Originals. Discover how Wendy transformed her passion for jewelry into a thriving business with a strong community focus, supporting military families through meaningful designs and charitable contributions. Learn about the challenges and rewards of starting a business, the importance of family involvement, and creative ways to give back to the veteran community. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or simply looking for a dose of inspiration, this episode has something for everyone!

https://charliemadisonoriginals.com/

Join us in this insightful episode of the Veteran Spouse Network podcast as we delve into the critical conversations surrounding veteran mental health and firearm safety. Hosted by Hannah O'Brien, this episode features Dr. Kristen Becerra and Dr. Emily Knitter from the Worried About a Veteran (WAVE) initiative. Together, they explore the unique challenges faced by military families during the holiday season, including the impact of anniversaries and the importance of proactive communication. Discover valuable resources and tools for supporting veterans and their families through stressful times, and learn how to create a safe environment by discussing firearm storage and safety.

https://worriedaboutaveteran.org/

Join Hannah O'Brien for a heartfelt solo episode dedicated to celebrating Military and Veteran Families Month. Discover the importance of honoring unique differences while fostering inclusivity and commonality within the military community. Hannah shares insights from her personal and professional experiences, emphasizing the power of peer support and community connection. Tune in to explore how the Veteran Spouse Network is creating a supportive environment for military and veteran families, ensuring no one feels alone in their journey.

Your host Hannah O'Brien sits down with Veteran spouse and author, Pamela Kyel. Pamela shares her journey of navigating multiple moves, raising children, and finding her passion as a writer. She discusses the difficulties of maintaining a career as a military spouse, the impact of constant relocations on her family, and the rewarding connections made along the way. Tune in to hear Pamela's inspiring story and learn about her debut book, "Charm City Crab Puff," and its upcoming sequel. Don't miss this heartfelt conversation!

Visit Pamela's webpage at https://pamelakyel.com/